12 ft GRP toy recommendations

[AlistairM]

HI

I was wondering if there was an alternative to the skipper dinghy.

Utopia would be something I can take the children out with but at the least I would rather sit "in" it rather than "on" if such a thing exists?

Any ideas

Thanks

Alistair

 

[Kelpie]

More details would be good!
Our Grad is 12ft and 'sit in', ours is wood but available in GRP...

 

[AlistairM]

I would like to keep it at 12ft as a max size (storage issues), ideally GRP, able to handle easily by myself and used mainly for freshwater/estuary sailing with occasional coastal sailing on holidays etc.

Two small children at the moment (at 12ft I would expect to go one at a time with me !), hoping to take them out in something they would feel comfortable in rather than wet sitting on and leaning out all the time etc.

The odd picnic trip that sort of thing.

Thanks

 

[Chris B]

Graduate is a nice boat and should be suitable for your needs, but if you are comparing it to a Skipper is a lot less roomy and much more sensitive to weight transfer. But better performance and nicer to sail. Depends on age / confidence etc of the kids. Having said that, if they take to sailing they will soon want to sit out get wet and leave you ashore!

Also Comet Duo 2" over the 12 ft, just looked up Graduate and it is quoted as 12'6".

Gull and Heron are around 11' but most are wood although some f'glass around.

Otter, and various version of Lymington, keyhaven scows etc some with Jibs.

Regards Steve

 

[alahol2]

I reckon the Solent type scows were designed for the uses you have mentioned, as well as racing.
http://www.yacht-designer.co.uk/page47.html